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Tag: DUI Checkpoint

Citrus Heights police to set up DUI checkpoint this week

File photo, Citrus Heights police conduct a DUI Checkpoint operation on Auburn Blvd. // CH Sentinel

Sentinel staff report–
The Citrus Heights Police Department said in a news release Monday that officers will be conducting a DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint operation from Thursday night through early Friday morning.

The department announced the upcoming operation in a news release as well as on social media, but did not disclose the location the checkpoint will be held. The operation is slated to begin at 9 p.m. on Dec. 15 and continue through 2 a.m. the next day.

Q&A: Why do police announce DUI checkpoints in advance?

Past checkpoint operations typically include officers briefly stopping vehicles to look for signs of alcohol and drug impairment, as well as checking drivers for valid licensing. Police also warn that drugs which may impair driving include many prescription drugs and even some over-the-counter medications.

The department said DUI collisions resulted in 802 deaths and nearly 24,000 serious injuries last year in California alone. Nationwide, the department said nearly 10,000 were killed.

As previously reported on The Sentinel, the Citrus Heights Police Department says it announces DUI operations in advance as a public awareness tool to help deter drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel in the first place. The department also regularly deploys “DUI Saturation Patrols,” which specifically search for, and pull over, drivers showing signs of intoxication.

Funding for CHPD’s checkpoints comes from a California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) grant, through the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. Last year, CHPD announced it had been awarded a $205,000 OTS grant to help fund a year-long program of safety-related efforts, including DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols.

See latest local arrest logs: click here

December 15, 2022
Citrus Heights police announce upcoming DUI checkpoint this weekend

Sentinel staff report–
The Citrus Heights Police Department is kicking off the month of June with a DUI and drivers license checkpoint this weekend.

Authorities said in a news release that the checkpoint will be held at “an undisclosed location” in the city between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., beginning Friday night, June 4, and continuing through the early hours of June 5.

Q&A: Why do police announce DUI checkpoints in advance?

Past checkpoint operations typically include officers briefly stopping vehicles to look for signs of alcohol and drug impairment, as well as checking drivers for valid licensing. Police also warn that drugs which may impair driving include many prescription drugs and even some over-the-counter medications.

As previously reported on The Sentinel, the Citrus Heights Police Department says it announces DUI operations in advance as a public awareness tool to help deter drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel in the first place. The department also regularly deploys “DUI Saturation Patrols,” which specifically search for, and pull over, drivers showing signs of intoxication.

Funding for CHPD’s checkpoints comes from a California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) grant, through the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. Last year, CHPD announced it had been awarded a $161,000 OTS grant to help fund a year-long program of safety-related efforts, including DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols.

See latest local arrest logs: click here

June 3, 2021
Police: DUI checkpoint to be held in Citrus Heights this weekend

File photo, a traffic sign notifies drivers of a DUI checkpoint in Citrus Heights. // CH Sentinel

Sentinel staff report–
Another DUI and drivers license checkpoint will be conducted this weekend in Citrus Heights, police said in a news release and social media postings on Tuesday.

Authorities said the checkpoint will be held at “an undisclosed location” in the city between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., beginning Saturday night, Oct. 27, and continuing through the early hours of the following day.

Q&A: Why do police announce DUI checkpoints in advance?

Past checkpoint operations typically include officers briefly stopping vehicles to look for signs of alcohol and drug impairment, as well as checking drivers for valid licensing. Police also warn that drugs which may impair driving include many prescription drugs and even some over-the-counter medications.

A prior checkpoint held in August on Auburn Boulevard near Greenback Lane resulted in one DUI arrest. Police reported that during the checkpoint a total of 735 vehicles were stopped and 36 citations were issued for various offenses, including driving without a license or with a suspended license. Police also impounded five vehicles and administered eight sobriety field tests.

As previously reported on The Sentinel, the Citrus Heights Police Department says it announces DUI operations in advance as a public awareness tool to help deter drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel in the first place. The department also regularly deploys “DUI Saturation Patrols,” which specifically search for, and pull over, drivers showing signs of intoxication.

Funding for CHPD’s checkpoints comes from a California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) grant, through the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. Last year, CHPD announced it had been awarded a $164,000 OTS grant to help fund a year-long program of safety-related efforts, with a focus on DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols.

See latest local arrest logs: click here

October 23, 2018
DUI checkpoint to be held in Citrus Heights this weekend, police announce

Sentinel staff report–
Another DUI and drivers license checkpoint will be conducted this Friday and Saturday in Citrus Heights, police said in a news release issued this week.

The checkpoint will be held at “an undisclosed location” in the city between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., beginning Friday night, April 20, and continuing through early Saturday morning.

Q&A: Why do police announce DUI checkpoints in advance?

Past checkpoint operations typically include officers briefly stopping vehicles to look for signs of alcohol and drug impairment, as well as checking drivers for valid licensing. Police also warn that drug-impaired driving includes many prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications.

A prior checkpoint held on March 16 on Greenback Lane near Birdcage Street did not result in any DUI arrests, but the operation netted two parolees at large who were arrested during the checkpoint. Police reported that a total of 863 vehicles were stopped and 19 citations were issued for various offenses, including driving without a license or with a suspended license.

As previously reported on The Sentinel, the Citrus Heights Police Department says it announces DUI operations in advance as a public awareness tool to help deter drivers from getting behind the wheel drunk in the first place. The department also regularly deploys “DUI Saturation Patrols,” which specifically search for, and pull over, drivers showing signs of intoxication.

Funding for CHPD’s checkpoints comes from a California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) grant, through the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. CHPD was awarded a $164,000 OTS grant in 2017 to help fund a year-long program of safety-related efforts, with a focus on DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols.

April 20, 2018
Police announce DUI Checkpoint in Citrus Heights this weekend

Sentinel staff report–
Another DUI and drivers license checkpoint will be conducted this Friday and Saturday in Citrus Heights, police said in a news release issued this week.

The checkpoint will be held at “an undisclosed location” in the city between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., beginning Friday night, Dec. 15, and continuing through early Saturday morning.

Related: See latest local police logs or click here to see latest arrest logs

Past checkpoint operations typically include officers briefly stopping vehicles to look for signs of alcohol and drug impairment, as well as checking drivers for valid licensing. Police also warn that drug-impaired driving includes many prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications.

A prior checkpoint held on Sept. 22 on Greenback Lane near Birdcage Street did not result in any DUI arrests, but police reported that a total of 884 vehicles were stopped and 26 citations were issued for various offenses, including driving without a license or with a suspended license.

As previously reported on The Sentinel, the Citrus Heights Police Department says it announces DUI operations in advance as a public awareness tool to help deter drivers from getting behind the wheel drunk in the first place. The department also regularly deploys “DUI Saturation Patrols,” which specifically search for, and pull over, drivers showing signs of intoxication.

Police said the latest checkpoint is part of a statewide 18-day holiday enforcement campaign in place through Jan. 1, with law enforcement planning to deploy DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols to crackdown on drunk and drugged driving.

“This holiday season, drivers will notice increased enforcement watching closely for anyone who is driving impaired,” Police Sgt. Kris Frey said in this week’s statement announcing the checkpoint and holiday crackdown. “We’ll be arresting anyone we catch driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

Funding for CHPD’s checkpoints comes from a California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) grant, through the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. CHPD was awarded a $164,000 OTS grant earlier this year to help fund a year-long program of safety-related efforts, with a focus on DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols.

December 14, 2017
Citrus Heights Police: latest DUI Checkpoint set for this weekend

Police will conduct a Saint Patrick’s Day weekend DUI and drivers license checkpoint in Citrus Heights, authorities announced in a news release on Wednesday.

The checkpoint will be held at “an undisclosed location” in the city between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., beginning Friday night, March 17, and continuing through early Saturday morning.

Police said the operation will include officers briefly stopping vehicles to look for signs of alcohol and drug impairment, as well as checking drivers for proper licensing. Officers will also be on scene to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which can include many prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, according to the news release.

A prior checkpoint held in December on Antelope Road stopped a total of 1,033 vehicles and led to three arrests and 10 citations for various violations, police previously told The Sentinel. No DUI arrests were made, but Police Lt. Jason Russo said one individual was arrested at the checkpoint for a felony warrant, another for a stolen vehicle, and a third person was arrested for “burglary tools, drugs, and probation violations.”

Additionally, four vehicles were impounded and citations were issued for violations that included driving without a license or driving with a suspended license.

Want local police logs? See CHPD logs for March 9-15th

The Citrus Heights Police Department says it announces DUI operations in advance as a public awareness tool to help deter drivers from getting behind the wheel drunk in the first place. The department also regularly deploys “DUI saturation patrols,” which specifically search for, and pull over, drivers showing signs of intoxication.

Funding for CHPD’s checkpoints comes from a California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) grant, through the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. CHPD was awarded a $145,000 OTS grant last year to help fund a year-long program of safety-related efforts, with a focus on DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols.

March 16, 2017
Citrus Heights police announce Easter weekend DUI Checkpoint

An Easter weekend DUI and driver’s license checkpoint will be conducted at “an undisclosed location” in Citrus Heights, police said in a news release this week.

In a statement authored by Sgt. Brian Fritsch on Wednesday, police said the checkpoint will be held between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., beginning Friday night, March 25. Police said officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and drug impairment, as well as checking drivers for proper licensing.

In an effort to address what police said is a growing number of crashes related to drugged driving, officers will also be on scene to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which can include many prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, according to the news release.

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CHPD is known to hold regularly publicized checkpoints within Citrus Heights city limits, focusing on areas with a history of collisions and DUI arrests. The department says it announces DUI operations in advance because “the deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes.”

In Citrus Heights last year there were 73 DUI-related collisions and 340 DUI arrests, according to statistics previously provided to The Sentinel by Sgt. Jason Baldwin. The statistics also showed a 19 percent drop in DUI collisions, compared to 2014.

[Related: 2015 stats show 19% drop in Citrus Heights DUI crashes, but fatalities rise]

Out of six fatal roadway collisions in Citrus Heights last year, police determined alcohol was involved on the part of the driver in at least three of the collisions, and two involved alcohol on the part of pedestrians who were hit and killed.

In prior news releases about local checkpoints, police have emphasized the “preventable nature of drunk driving” accidents, advising those planning to enjoy a drink to designate a sober driver ahead of time, or utilize options like a taxi or Uber. Police also advise calling 9-1-1 to report drunk drivers, and previously recommended sober drivers take the keys of someone who’s been drinking and “help them get home safely.”

Funding for CHPD’s checkpoints comes from a California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) grant, through the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. Police said last November CHPD had received a $236,190 OTS grant to help fund a year-long program of safety-related efforts, including DUI checkpoints and distracted driving enforcement.

March 25, 2016
Police: DUI checkpoint planned this weekend in Citrus Heights

File photo, a traffic sign notifies drivers of a DUI checkpoint in Citrus Heights. // CH Sentinel

Citrus Heights police announced Thursday that a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint will be conducted by the department’s Traffic Unit at “an undisclosed location” in the city this weekend.

In a news release issued by Sgt. Brian Fritsch, police said the checkpoint would be held between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., beginning Friday night, Feb. 19. Police said officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and drug impairment, as well as checking drivers for proper licensing.

Additionally, police said specially trained officers will be on scene to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which can include many prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, according to the news release. Police said drugged driving now accounts for “a growing number of impaired driving crashes.”

CHPD is known to hold regularly publicized checkpoints within Citrus Heights city limits, focusing on areas with a history of collisions and DUI arrests. The department says it announces DUI operations in advance because “the deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes.”

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A 2006 study paid for by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which provides funding for checkpoints around the nation, reported that alcohol-related crashes dropped significantly in various jurisdictions, after increased, high-publicity DUI campaigns were conducted.

An example included in the study’s 108-page report found alcohol-related fatal crashes dropped by 50 percent in Fresno from 2002 to 2003, after Fresno Police “more than doubled” special enforcement activity. Overall alcohol-related crashes in Fresno dropped from 444 in 2002 down to 333 in 2003, an average drop of 25 percent.

[Document: NHTSA_DUI_Case_Studies_2006.pdf]

In Citrus Heights last year there were 73 DUI-related collisions, according to statistics previously provided to The Sentinel by Sgt. Jason Baldwin. He said DUI collisions in the city last year dropped by 19 percent compared to 2014, with DUI arrests also dropping from 385 down to 340.

Out of six fatal roadway collisions in Citrus Heights last year, police determined alcohol was involved on the part of the driver in at least three of the collisions, and two involved alcohol on the part of pedestrians who were hit and killed.

In prior news releases about local checkpoints, police have emphasized the “preventable nature of drunk driving” accidents, advising those planning to enjoy a drink to designate a sober driver ahead of time, or utilize options like a taxi or Uber. Police have also advised sober drivers to call 9-1-1 to report drunk drivers, and to take the keys of someone who’s been drinking and “help them get home safely.”

[Also on The Sentinel: Citrus Heights Police: crime reduced by 5% in 2015]

Funding for CHPD’s checkpoints comes from a California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) grant, through the NHTSA. Police said last November CHPD had received a $236,190 OTS grant to help fund a year-long program of safety-related efforts, including DUI checkpoints and distracted driving enforcement.

February 19, 2016
Citrus Heights Police Beat: pursuit, shooting, DUI checkpoint results

A sign announces a checkpoint ahead, during a December Citrus Heights Police Department crackdown operation. // CH Sentinel

Man shot in Greenback Estates on Christmas Eve
–A Citrus Heights police sergeant said a 26-year-old man was shot multiple times on Christmas Eve by one or more unknown suspects in a vehicle, leaving him hospitalized. According to Sgt. Nicole Garing, the shooting occurred on Dec. 24 around 6:15 p.m. on Donegal Drive, where the man was visiting relatives. Although only able to provide limited preliminary details on Saturday, the sergeant said additional information and a description of suspect(s) may be released at a later date. She said the shooting is under investigation and a motive is currently unknown. The vehicle involved, described as dark in color, fled the scene toward Auburn Boulevard.

Police release report from latest DUI Checkpoint operation
–Citrus Heights police reported a Dec. 19 DUI checkpoint operation on Auburn Boulevard resulted in 734 vehicles being screened, with one field sobriety test administered, and no arrests. Six drivers were cited for being unlicensed or holding a suspended license, and two vehicles were towed for license-related violations. The Saturday-night checkpoint began at 8:30 p.m. and continued until around midnight, involving around 18 officers stationed on Auburn Boulevard near Twin Oaks Avenue.

Police said they are also conducting roving “DUI saturation patrols” through New Year’s Eve, which tend to result in higher arrest rates. A prior Memorial Day weekend DUI checkpoint held at the same location on Auburn Boulevard screened 871 vehicles and resulted in two arrests and eight citations. A saturation patrol the night before netted nine arrests in four hours, according to police.

[Learn more about saturation patrols: Citrus Heights police announce 2015 holiday DUI crackdown effort]

Police: pursuit of stolen vehicle ends near Greenback Lane and Birdcage
–Sacramento Sheriff’s deputies pursued a reportedly stolen vehicle through Citrus Heights on Dec. 20, stopping the vehicle near Greenback Lane and Birdcage around 9:45 p.m. According to CHPD spokesman Wesley Herman, the incident did not initially involve Citrus Heights police, but officers assisted the Sheriff’s Department once the vehicle had been stopped. No collateral damage was reported in Citrus Heights from the pursuit, according to police records. At least one suspect was detained.

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See The Sentinel’s full coverage of additional events from the past week:
Dec. 22 — Citrus Heights police convoy delivers Christmas gifts to kids, families
Dec. 25 — Video: 34 photos of Christmas light displays across Citrus Heights

December 27, 2015
Citrus Heights police announce 2015 holiday DUI crackdown effort

File photo, police lights. // CH Sentinel

With the message “Drunk driving ruins the holidays,” Citrus Heights police announced Friday they will join a nationwide law enforcement effort seeking to reduce a rise in DUI-related fatalities during the Christmas season.

Police said the local effort will include a Dec. 19 DUI checkpoint at an “undisclosed location” in Citrus Heights from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., and will continue through New Year’s Eve with additional “saturation” patrols — a term describing teams of extra officers who actively search for and arrest drunk drivers.

“Drunk driving is a choice you make,” Citrus Heights Police Chief Christopher Boyd said in a news release this week. “When you make that choice, people get hurt or die.”

A total of six fatalities have occurred on Citrus Heights roadways this year, with Police Lt. Jason Russo confirming that alcohol was involved on the part of the driver in three of the collisions. He also said two involved alcohol on the part of pedestrians who were hit and killed this year.

Emphasizing the “preventable nature of drunk driving” accidents, police advised those planning to enjoy a holiday drink to designate a sober driver ahead of time or utilize options like a taxi or Uber. The Department also advised sober drivers to call 9-1-1 to report drunk drivers, and to take the keys of someone who’s been drinking and “help them get home safely.”

[Related: CHPD: Bait cars, packages in use to reduce holiday theft]

Answering a common question regarding why local police go out of their way to publicize DUI checkpoints ahead of time, CHPD’s Officer Anthony Boehle previously told The Sentinel that awareness efforts are about preventing drunk drivers from getting on the road in the first place.

“DUI checkpoints are not intended to make arrests,” Officer Boehle said, explaining the more people know about heavy crackdowns on DUI’s, the less likely they are to attempt a drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. “It’s all about public awareness.”

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In contrast to the checkpoints, Boehle said saturation patrols have a much higher potential for making arrests, because of a difference in goals. While checkpoints may arrest a small number of drunk drivers, Boehle said saturation units are deployed specifically to “hunt” for DUI drivers. In one night, he said a single patrol car can make more arrests than a checkpoint.

Police said funding for the holiday DUI crackdown comes from a California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) grant through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Last month, CHPD announced it had received a $236,190 OTS grant to help fund a year-long program of safety-related efforts, including DUI checkpoints and distracted driving enforcement.

December 20, 2015